June 3, 2010

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Raiders CB, Walter McFadden Interview

by Max Strauss

Walter McFadden played college football for Auburn University. He started off playing Special Teams, but then became the starting cornerback for the Tigers. He entered the 2010 NFL Draft, and was selected in the 5th round, 138th overall by the Oakland Raiders. This interview as conducted before the 2010 NFL season. [UPDATE: He earned some playing time during his rookie season.]

Strauss : So, if you weren’t playing in the NFL, what would you want to do?

McFadden : I would like to give back to my community and by doing that, I would like to get into city government chair.

Strauss : And, how long have you played football?

McFadden : I been playing since I was 6 years old!

Strauss : Did you play any other sports in high school?

McFadden : I played Basketball, Track, and Baseball.

Strauss : What is your favorite sport to play other than football?

McFadden : I like running track. In high school, I ran track against Walter Dix every week and never could beat him, I could only beat him in relays, he helps me become faster just trying to keep up with him.

Strauss : When did you realize that you were going to play football in college and in the NFL?

McFadden : I knew I wanted to play football after my first football touchdown for the Pompano Chiefs, I was 75 pounds when I was 6 years old.

Strauss : What impact did your high school coach have on your pro career?

McFadden : My high school coach had a big impact on me because he was the one who took me to college camps and got notice!

Strauss : Describe the hardest change between the jump from high school to college.

McFadden : Just learning becoming a smart player not just relying on talent

Strauss : How has the number process worked for you?

McFadden : The number 6 was my high school number and when I got to Auburn number six was available! However, I chose 22 because that’s my dad favorite number.

Strauss : What is Coach Gene Chizik really like?

McFadden : He’s a player coach. He talk to us as were his own.

Strauss : What do you look for when you watch film? How important has film been to your development?

McFadden : I look for everything, a wide receiver does, especially the way he moves! But film has given my game a lot of help, It continues to help, and it helps you know your opponent!

Strauss : What did you think of when you recall your long interception touchdown returns?

McFadden : I was thinking back when I was a sophomore, and I had a interception for 97 yards and when I scored the Deion Sanders dance in the end zone, that when Coach Tuberville there and the next day I ran the stadium the next day, so that stop me from dancing again!

Strauss : What is your favorite memory from Auburn?

McFadden : My favorite memory at Auburn is Tiger Walk, Tiger walk is a tradition at auburn where all the fans, come to the middle of the street and help motivate the players as they walk down the street shaking hands, before the game… Tiger Walk! I remember the fans the most.

Strauss : What was it like to be the 2009 Elite Defensive Back?

McFadden : It’s a very blessful situation to even be put in that category.

Strauss : What impact did Coach Lotti have on your pro career?

McFadden : Coach Lotti made me strong, help make me become a young man.

Strauss : Could you have predicted how far football was going to carry you?

McFadden : Yes, I’ve always had dreams of being a NFL football player!

Strauss : When you were chosen at 138th overall by the Raiders, what was that like?

McFadden : I was so excited my family scream , I cried and Thank the lord!